SAC Learning

The design brief included the need for different path surfaces to practice walking on, a secluded area, a glasshouse and raised beds for patients to grow their own plants and permanent plantings of fragrant plants.

The design by Gillian Jack was selected by the hospital and she gained valuable experience by supervising the construction of the garden and troubleshooting to overcome difficulties in transferring the design from the plan to the ground.

Following the construction of the paths and raised beds the Horticulture and Garden Design students taking the Landscape Practices module visited Craigmarloch Nurseries, Kilsyth, to select the plants. Craigmarloch supplies plants to landscapers and garden centres, with plants sourced not only from Scotland but from across Europe. Most of the plants specified by Gillian were available but again good experience was gained by the students in having to identify suitable alternatives when the original choice was unavailable.

A week after the plants were purchased the students took them to the Biggart and planted them out as required by the plan. A few elements of the garden remain to be completed, mainly the construction of the glasshouse, but the patients will soon have access to this new resource and the Occupational Therapists are looking forward to seeing the benefits of this new resource. The students are looking forward to returning for the formal opening to see how their efforts are being used and appreciated.

This project is an example of how students have the opportunity to get involved in real projects while on their courses and gain confidence in working with clients and overseeing the implementation of their designs.